Celebrity holidays

Expedia has released its top travel trends for 2026 – including ‘Fan Voyage’, ‘Salvaged Stays’, and ‘Hotel Hop’ – and the destinations to visit for a ‘smart’ holiday

The ‘Unpack ’26’ report from travel giants Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo has revealed the top holiday trends for the year ahead, including ‘Fan Voyage’, ‘Hotel Hop’, and ‘Salvaged Stays’. The report, which surveyed 24,000 people across 18 countries, shows a growing trend of travellers booking trips specifically to experience immersive local activities.

‘Fan Voyage’ holidays combine travel with unique regional sporting activities, such as Sumo Wrestling in Japan or curling in Canada, according to Expedia. Meanwhile, ‘Salvaged Stay’ sees holidaymakers blending historical architecture with modern amenities, opting for upcycled retreats like former schoolhouses, train stations, and banks. As a result, Hotels.com has seen a surge in searches for these types of stays.

The emerging trend of ‘Hotel Hop’ is being driven by two thirds of British millennial travellers who are making every trip count by booking multiple hotels within a single destination. This is fuelled by a desire to explore different neighbourhoods (58%) and keep trips varied (52%).

Expedia has also unveiled its 2026 Destinations of the Year list, based on real-time data from millions of daily visitors to its site and app. Six of these hotspots meet the criteria for the brand’s new Smart Travel Health Check , a first-in-travel framework, inspired by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

It acknowledges destinations that strive to provide meaningful travel experiences whilst proactively managing tourism in a sustainable manner. The leading locations featured Big Sky in Montana, USA, Okinawa in Japan, Hobart in Australia and Savoie in France, which has witnessed a 51% surge in searches.

Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, said: “Some of my most unforgettable travel moments come from immersing myself in local cultures, supporting local economies, and exploring less-travelled destinations.

“We have a responsibility to shape the future of travel: one that’s smarter, more sustainable, and deeply respectful of the places we go.”

Christopher Imbsen, vice president policy at WTTC, added: “Expedia’s Smart Travel Health Check is an innovative initiative that reflects the urgent need to embrace responsible growth models that safeguard communities, protect cultural and natural heritage, and ensure the long-term resilience of destinations.”

Research carried out on behalf of the Vrbo division of the firm discovered that trips in 2026 are driven by 91% who are pursuing breaks centred on reading, relaxation, and precious time with family.

As #BookTok continues to rule social media, fascination with literary-themed journeys – ‘Readaways’ – is also soaring, with Pinterest searches for “book club retreat ideas” climbing 265%. And reading-related phrases in the holiday rental firm’s guest reviews have almost trebled.

The ‘slow travel’ trend is on the rise, with a whopping 84% of holidaymakers keen to stay on or near a farm. Meanwhile, ‘Set-Jetting’, travelling to locations inspired by TV shows and films, is making a big comeback.

While we’re still waiting for official confirmation of The White Lotus’s next filming location in France, the 2026 Set-Jetting Forecast has unveiled the next hotspots for film-inspired getaways – including Tuscany, Italy, brought to life by Jay Kelly, and Yorkshire, made famous by Wuthering Heights and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

Here are the top holiday trends for 2026:

1. Fan Voyage (Expedia) – Mixing travel with unique sporting activities
2. Salvaged Stays (Hotels.com) – Seeking out hotels with distinctive architecture but modern amenities
3. Hotel Hop (Hotels.com) – Holidays featuring more than one accommodation venue
4. Readaways (Vrbo) – Breaks based on reading-related themes like ‘reading retreat’
5. Farm Charm (Vrbo) – Holidays centred around terms like ‘farm’ or ‘homestead’ for a cosy escape
6. Set-Jetting Forecast (Expedia) – Holidays inspired by TV shows and films

Fearne Cotton is enjoying the single life – and unearthing a refreshingly different side to party Island Ibiza – and we’ve tried and tested it just for you….

Most of us have jetted off to Ibiza for a holiday to remember (and some cracking stories to bring home) – or at least had pals heading to the famous White Isle for some serious clubbing, probably followed by quite the hangover the following morning as they languish poolside.

But TV presenter and former radio DJ Fearn Cotton is hoping to open travellers’ eyes to a very different side to beautiful Ibiza – an island she’s loved and visited each year for a long time now – which you can sample in less than a day. The perfect, chilled-out accompaniment to any holiday to the party hotspot.

The 43-year-old mum-of-two, who is positively glowing and clearly enjoying the single life following her recently split from ex-husband Jesse Woods after 10 years of marriage, wants travellers to the party island to think about alternative days out when they’re there, as research reveals that over a third of British travellers would actually avoid bars and clubs while visiting the beloved Spanish island.

As gorgeous Fearne says “Trust me, we’ve all had some Ibiza experiences we can’t quite remember. That’s why I’m back to experience another side of the White Isle with GetYourGuide. And I promise you, I won’t forget it.”

Having now followed in the star’s footsteps, we can confirm that yes, it absolutely is possible to hit up Ushuaia Ibiza for a superstar DJ set one day, and find yourself indulging in a spot of yoga in a magically unspoilt location the next. In fact, it’s a must.

Enter Ibiza: Unplugged wellness experiences – a genius collaboration between Happy Place founder Ferne and GetYourGuide which, at a remarkably reasonable 40 euros – a price which would just about get you into one of Ibiza’s top clubs, you can step away from the madness for a day and try something refreshingly different.

The experience, which is a half-day itinerary, includes a beautiful sunrise hike, a boat trip (or a relaxing ‘snooze cruise’ as Fearne puts it) with a stop off for swimming in the most crystal clear waters you’ll ever experience, where the views across the Formentera are nothing short of spectacular, a yoga class in the cool pine forest overlooking a secluded cove and a zen-inducing sound bath. Heaven..

During our escape to the sun-soaked isle, where we also sampled the chic vibes of 5 star hotel The Mondrian Ibiza, perched above the stunning turquoise waters of Cala Llonga, we tested out Fearne’s lush itinerary ourselves. And yes, we can tell you, it’s the perfect anecdote to the buzzing party spots, even if you’re ready to hit the town the next day.

Kicking off with an easy to moderate hike – which sets off at around 6am so you’re not trekking in baking temperatures, takes you up the mountain to a spot where you have a stunning view of tiny uninhabited island Es Vedrà at sunrise. Perfect golden light for the Gram, if you really must!

A tiny, rocky island which stands at roughly 400 metres high, Es Vedrà is seen as a mystical location by locals and travellers alike – one that’s associated with a magnetic, positive energy which many, sceptics included, have said pulls them back to the island, time and again.

It’s with this stunning view that GetYourGuide travellers can then settle in under a beautiful sun-dappled pines to indulge in some yoga with a brilliant local teacher. Ours was incredible, she located exactly where my back problems lay and offered me a mini-massage, as we attempted our downward dogs.

That’s another thing – like the hike, the yoga session is perfect for beginners and pros alike. Everything can be done at your own pace – with the help of hunky guide Pablo Leonard, co-founder of travel company Into The Island.

Pablo is more than happy to chat about life on Ibiza, throw in some local restaurant recommendations (we visited Monkey Ibiza with its outdoor pools and boho food-to-table Aubergine with its beautiful garden on his recommendation and both get our vote). Hell, he’ll even rustle you up a nifty mango-based sangria during your boat-trip, if you play your cards right.

Wellness advocate Fearne, who admits Ibiza is her ‘happy place’, says:: ‘I first visited Ibiza 20 years ago and fell in love with the island’s energy and people. There’s something truly magical about this place and however hectic my life gets, a trip here will always bring me back to myself.

“Over the last two decades I’ve discovered the best secret spots for sunrise hikes, chilly dips and soulful yoga sessions. And this summer I’m going to let you in on some of my hidden gems.

“With GetYourGuide I’ve curated the perfect way to unplug and spend a chilled day in Ibiza, guided by true experts that know the island like the back of their hand. And the best thing about it? It’s all for the price of a club entry. So treat yourself to a night off!”

And mental health advocate Fearne’s love of a more low-key vibe on occasion seems to be reflected in the habits of a whole lot of discerning holidaymakers these days.

According to a survey by GetYourGuide and YouGov, around 1 in 30 British travellers avoid clubbing and hangovers – to make sure they’re getting the greatest benefit out of their holiday activities.

It would seem it’s also the hefty price of drinks (32%) and club entry (32%) which are putting more than a third of club-loving British from hitting the clubs when abroad – with British travellers three times more likely to pick a holiday because it has a well-known spa (13%) as opposed to a banging nightclub (4%).

After experiencing GetYourGuide ambassador Fearne’s carefully curated Ibiza activities for ourselves we are converted to the idea that you can go wild one night, find your inner zen and take in some jaw-dropping scenery the next. Ibiza, you’re a special place. We will be back…

Ibiza Unplugged is running on selected dates throughout August, and has been co-created with trusted GetYourGuide partner, Into The Island.

Bookings are live now for ‘Ibiza: Unplugged’ on the GetYourGuide website and app www.getyourguide.com– available on a first-come-first-serve basis on 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd August 2025.

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Celebrities definitely know how to party but now a new destination is proving more popular than Ibiza. Famous stars like Dua Lipa and Chloe Sims from The Only Way is Essex have all holidayed there and it’s less pricey too

While Ibiza in Spain is still the top celebrity vacation spot, leading in both celebrity visits and 20million Instagram tags, it’s not the only party destination attracting the ‘in crowd’.

A recent study by Otherworld has identified the top celebrity-approved holiday spots of 2025 based on confirmed celebrity sightings from 2023 to 2025. These destinations were ranked using Instagram hashtag counts, Google searches, number of fine dining venues, and average cost per night at a 5-star hotel.

And while the Dominican Republic came in second, you may be surprised by which destination slipped into third.

Tulum in Mexico has a spectacular coastline, overlooks the Caribbean Sea and has welcomed famous holidaymakers including Lottie Moss and Austin Butler to name just a few. It’s slightly more popular on Instagram than the Dominican Republic, with 9.4 million tags.

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But what really sets it apart is the cost, at $251 per night – or £186 – for a five-star hotel, making it the most budget-friendly luxury spot on this list.

However, some visitors warn this magical paradise is losing its appeal because it’s becoming overrun with tourists.

Tulum attracts close to two million visitors every year – a number expected to rise sharply following the opening of Tulum International Airport.

Travel experts over at Lonely Planet still hail the destination for its ‘cobalt water’, stunning beaches, and close proximity to ancient Mayan ruins as well as the underground world of cenotes.

Often dubbed ‘the new Dubai’ by the flock of influencers flying out there to impress their fans. You can fly to Tulum, Mexico from London, Manchester and Birmingham – with most routes including a stopover in New York.

A spokesperson from Otherworld commented on the study: “Some places attract stars because they’re remote and private, others because they’re easy to post about. What’s interesting is how much that mix varies.

“You’ve got destinations where everything’s built around luxury, and others where it’s about vibe and visibility. That difference is shaping how people, celebrity or not, think about where they want to go next.”

Meanwhile, Ibiza, Spain is one of the top celebrity-approved vacation spots of 2025, with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kendall Jenner spotted there in the last two years.

The spot has over 20million Instagram tags, and offers the most fine dining options (136). Five-star hotels average $695 a night, which is less than many other luxury destinations.

The Dominican Republic stands out for its number of luxury stays, with over 3,200 resorts and villas, more than any other place here.

It may not be as Instagram-famous as Ibiza, but it still pulls strong celebrity interest, including Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. At $359 per night, it also offers some of the lowest five-star rates.

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The surfing spot of Mawgan Porth in Cornwall has seen a number of celebrities move in, with prices soaring as bungalows are converted into holiday homes and mansions are built up the side of hills

A quaint beachside village, now known as ‘Hollywood on Sea’, has become a magnet for celebrities, causing concern among locals about being priced out due to the surge in holiday home conversions.

Stars like Cate Blanchett and Jason Statham have snapped up properties in Mawgan Porth, a serene former fishing village in Cornwall that’s now a hotspot for the rich and famous. The once tranquil surfing spot is witnessing a property transformation, with bungalows being turned into second homes and luxury mansions cropping up along the hillside.

While some local entrepreneurs welcome the influx of wealthy newcomers, not all residents are pleased with the town’s evolving character. Cate Blanchett, the Oscar-winning star from Lord of the Rings, is said to have been the pioneer celebrity to invest in the village’s real estate.

Following her lead, action hero Jason Statham acquired a home there, and they’ve been joined by other luminaries such as Imogen Stubbs, Jamie Dornan of Fifty Shades of Grey fame, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and the actor-cum-gastronome Stanley Tucci.

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Locals lament that their idyllic area has been ‘ruined’ and resembles a ‘building site’, with property prices soaring to ‘unaffordable levels’. John Bradley, a retired builder who has resided in the town with his wife Barbara, 77, for 19 years, expressed discontent: “If you look across the road, five of the seven bungalows are holiday homes and do you think we’re happy with that? People lived in one for 30 years and moved out of the country.

“This guy bought it and as soon as he comes in he wants to take the roof off and put another roof on it. I gave him my views straight away. There’s a place down the road which is rented out for £7,500. It’s just ridiculous. It’s not even in keeping.”

Mawgan Porth’s picturesque seafront has become a hotspot for multi-million pound developments, luring celebrities and the wealthy to its shores. Central to the high-end property scene is a five-bedroom eco-home under construction by a Hollywood actress following her successful application to demolish the £1.6 million cottage she acquired with her playwright spouse Andrew Upton.

Photographs reveal a cluster of ‘Californian’ style abodes that have replaced the traditional Cornwall cottages in an area once dubbed ‘Cornwall’s best kept secret’, nestled between Padstow and Newquay. Residents have voiced concerns that the village is being overwhelmed by holiday homeowners, leaving it eerily deserted during the off-season.

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John, an 81 year old B&B owner, takes a stand against the rise of holiday lets, pointing out they aren’t subject to the same stringent rules. He worries that such upscale makeovers could encourage similar transformations among neighbours, potentially altering the face of the community and questioned whether the local council should intervene more.

“The only people benefiting from these second homes are the builders and gardeners. It keeps certain local people in work so in that way it’s good but we have lost the community. I understand that when the top end of the earners have money, the most sensible place to put it is in accommodation,” he said.

“There’s no doubt about it, it’s safer than anywhere else, and any returns are going to be better than investing anywhere else. But it means that places like this become an empty shell and that is very sad. I would like to see celebrities contribute more to the community. I think locals are being priced out.

“We’ve got a humble little bungalow, but every time someone comes and buys one, they knock it down and build some kind of monstrosity. I think it’s losing its character because there is a lot of money coming in.”

He enjoyed the tranquillity of winter, confessing: “I don’t mind it too much because I like the quiet. It seems a waste, but round here it’s been like that. It is very holiday home-ish. It seems like they’re taking away the character. I know everything has to get modern but that’s not what we moved here for.”

Not everyone is as down about the fortunes of Mawgan Porth and the arrival of the A-Lister cash. Some locals embrace the change.

Debbie, a retired local, said: “Lived here 20-odd years. It doesn’t bother me. There are couples and families living in the posh bit. If we moved our house would become a holiday home. There aren’t many bungalows left now but they were all like this. “There aren’t many places to work here for young people to move in and get jobs.

“Jobs are poorly paid so there is no way you can afford a house. It’s a lovely place as long as nothing else gets built up.”

Stuart Kirk, who runs Betty’s general store, suggested that Cate Blanchett’s situation was not an isolated case and that the situation is a complex one.

“Because she’s a celebrity everybody latches onto it. It happens in every village around Cornwall, people buying up homes. So many houses have been bought up for stupid money. An old client of ours sold her house for £900,000 and somebody literally just bought it and flattened it and built something else in its place,” he said.

“It was just a three-bedroom house. It’s not specific to this area; it’s happening all over Cornwall. I grew up in the area. I’ve owned this shop for 21 years now but when I first bought it in 2003 the houses were too expensive then anyway. It’s because of the location.”

When it comes to the village today, he still sees a lot tying the locals together.

“We do have a very strong community here. You can come down here on a winter’s evening and see a lot of lights on. It’s surprising how many people do live up there,” Stuart said.

“But if they are holiday homes, they’re always occupied. If you speak to any holiday home owner around here, they’re always booked up. There is always somebody here; it’s not like it’s going to be left empty for three months and we’re going to be turned into a ghost town.”